Bobby Lynn Suttles was called to his heavenly home on Monday, September 29, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky, after a lengthy illness.
Born on December 24, 1941, to the late Maynard Olin Suttles and Iva Kate Etherton Suttles, Bobby was raised in Dandridge, Tennessee where he graduated from Maury High School in 1959.
Bobby married the love of his life, Zada Cleo Finchum, on May 26, 1962. They were blessed to celebrate 63 years of marriage, with Cleo as his loving life partner and faithful caregiver throughout his illness.
Bobby and Cleo started their family in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Bobby worked for Lay's Packing Company. He later joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Training Program to become a hydro power plant operator, starting his career at Old Hickory Dam in Nashville, Tennessee. He continued his work at Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Kentucky, and completed his 35 year career with the Corps of Engineers at Barkley Dam Power Plant in Kuttawa, Kentucky, retiring in December 2000.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Iva Suttles; his brother, Donnie Suttles; father and mother-in-law, Dayton and Susie Finchum; brothers & sisters-in-law, Mary Suttles,
D.R. Finchum, Charles & Freeda Finchum, Ray & Judy Carr, and Larry Sims; nephews, Robert Suttles and James Finchum.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Cleo Suttles; daughters Kim (David) Anderson and Kathy (Derrick) Waggoner; granddaughters Kristen Anderson, Kami (Ethan) DeWitt, Erin Waggoner, and Kate Waggoner; and great grandson, Beckett DeWitt; brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Suttles and Gerald Suttles; sisters-in-law, Donna Suttles, Sue Sims & Rebeckah Finchum; brothers-in-law, O'Dell (Geraldine) Finchum and James (Tammy) Finchum.
Bob's pride and joy were his four granddaughters, and most recently, becoming a great grandpa to "our boy," whose presence brought radiant smiles even in Bob's final days. He loved sharing stories and special moments about each of them.
Although Bob and his family made their home in Marshall County, Kentucky for more than 55 years, he valued his East Tennessee roots. He enjoyed trips back to the Shady Grove Community where he grew up and treasured time spent with his brothers and close family friends.
Bobby was a cherished member of Calvert City United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School, chaperoned youth group trips, and served as a Trustee and on various committees. Bobby had a deep love for his church family and friends and was known for giving the best hugs!
An avid gardener, Bobby had a remarkable talent for growing nearly anything—sometimes even nurturing a tree from a seed of the best peach he had ever eaten.
He found joy in fishing, long walks by the lake, listening to gospel music, watching UK sports and NASCAR races. Bobby enjoyed tinkering and had nearly every tool imaginable. In retirement, he delighted in estate and yard sales and discovering great deals. He also looked forward to Thursday breakfasts with his best buddies.
A friend to all, Bobby Lynn Suttles never met a stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held at Calvert City United Methodist Church; 541 Oak Park Blvd; Calvert City, Kentucky on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The family will receive friends from 11-1 with funeral service to proceed afterwards.
A graveside internment will follow at Marshall County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Calvert City United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Our family wishes to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has loved us, prayed for us and supported us over the last few months. We have been blessed by so many and remain in awe of the people that God placed in our lives throughout this journey.
